Niacinamide (vitamin B3) at 5% is a water-soluble active used to improve skin barrier function, reduce hyperpigmentation, regulate sebum, and reduce the appearance of redness and fine lines. It is generally well tolerated across skin types.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Mild transient flushing or warmth | Uncommon | More associated with niacin/nicotinic acid; niacinamide rarely causes flushing. |
Skin irritation, stinging or burning | Uncommon | Usually mild and transient, more likely on sensitive or compromised skin. |
Redness or erythema | Rare | Typically resolves with reduced frequency of use. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated case reports; patch testing can confirm sensitivity. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.